Detroit Public Television Honors Black History Month with a Variety of Programming Throughout February

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by Lea Vigi on

Detroit Public Television (DPTV) is proud to celebrate Black History this February and all year round!In 2017, we're bringing you a new lineup of films AND turning a lens on you to celebrate the moments, memories and people in Black history that inspire you. Below are a list of highlights to enjoy throughout the month of February, both local and national:

American Black Journal: Mentoring Detroit’s Next Generation (Sunday, February 5th at 9:30 A.M. ET and Wednesday February 8th at 7:30 P.M. ET) Increasing knowledge and skills in young people through mentoring greatly enhances their chances for success in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. In this special roadshow, recorded at Detroit’s Downtown Boxing Gym, viewers will hear from renowned panelists, as well as the Founder and CEO of Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program, Khali Sweeney, who will discuss the importance of guiding his students and providing children and young adults physical and mental outlets that teach them patience and discipline.

Independent Lens: Birth of a Movement (Tuesday, February 7th at 11:00 P.M. ET) In 1915, Boston-based African American newspaper editor and activist William M. Trotter waged a battle against D.W. Griffith’s technically groundbreaking but notoriously Ku Klux Klan-friendly The Birth of a Nation, unleashing a fight that still rages today about race relations, media representation, and the power and influence of Hollywood. Birth of a Movement, based on Dick Lehr's book The Birth of a Movement: How Birth of a Nation Ignited the Battle for Civil Rights,captures the backdrop to this prescient clash between human rights, freedom of speech, and a changing media landscape.

Gershwin Prize: Smokey Robinson (Friday February 10th, at 9:00 P.M. ET) Enjoy an all-star tribute to Smokey Robinson, the 2016 recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, with performances by Robinson, as well as Aloe Blacc, Gallant, CeeLo Green, JoJo, Ledisi, Tegan Marie, Kip Moore, Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding, The Tenors, BeBe Winans, and a special appearance by Berry Gordy, Founder of Motown — with Samuel L. Jackson as host and Greg Phillinganes as music director.

The March (Sunday, February 12th, at 3:30 P.M. ET) The story of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, told by the people who organized and participated in it. It includes interviews with some of the key actors; members of the inner circles of the core organizational groups; Hollywood supporters and civil rights campaigners; John F. Kennedy administration officials; and the ordinary people who became part of the crowd of thousands, who thronged to Washington D.C. by all and every means: plane, bus and car.

John Lewis - Get in the Way (Sunday, February 12th, at 4:30 P.M. ET) A film by Kathleen Dowdey, "John Lewis - Get in the Way"is the first biographical documentary about John Lewis, an inspiring portrait of one man cast into extraordinary times and his unhesitating dedication to seeking justice for the marginalized and ignored. The film spans more than half a century, tracing Lewis’ journey of courage, confrontations and hard-won triumphs.

Independent Lens: Accidental Courtesy (Tuesday, February 14th at 11:30 P.M. ET) Accomplished musician Daryl Davis has played all over the world with legends like Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. He also has an unusual and controversial hobby. Daryl likes to meet and befriend members of the KKK, many of whom have never met a black person. When some of these same people decide to leave the Klan, Daryl keeps their robes and hoods.

The Talk: Race in America (Monday, February 20th, at 9:00 P.M. ET) A two-hour documentary about the increasingly necessary conversation taking place in homes and communities across the country between parents of color and their children, especially sons, about how to behave if they are ever stopped by the police.

American Masters - Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise (Tuesday, February 21st, at 8:00 P.M. ET) This unprecedented film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America’s most defining moments. From her upbringing in the Depression-era South to her work with Malcolm X in Ghana, the film takes us on an incredible journey through the life of a true American icon.

Africa’s Great Civilizations Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes a new look at the history of Africa, from the birth of humankind to the dawn of the 20th century.Part 1: Monday, February 27th, at 9:00 P.M. ETPart 2: Wednesday, March 1st, at 9:00 P.M. ET Part 3: Thursday, March 2nd, at 10:00 P.M. ET